2024-01-28-世界银行-用于应急响应的数字现金转账_喀麦隆的经验教训（英）_14页_1mb

Digital Cash Transfer Program Summary: Cameroon COVID-19 Response

Executive Summary: The Cameroon government implemented a digital emergency cash transfer program during the COVID-19 pandemic to support poor urban informal sector workers. Launched in 2020 under the World Bank-financed Social Safety Net Project, it provided USD 275 in three installments to 80,000 beneficiaries, primarily through mobile money transfers. A 2021 process evaluation highlighted strong beneficiary preference for digital payments (78% supported direct mobile money credits) due to high mobile money penetration (95% ownership). However, challenges included regulatory barriers, data inconsistencies, and communication gaps, leading to delays and distrust.

Key Lessons:

• Regulatory Environment: Digital G2P payments require legal reform to authorize direct mobile money transfers, as restrictions on proof of payment excluded mobile operators; a workaround involved contracting financial service providers (FSPs) to process payments, but this added complexity.
• Data Management: Inaccurate or incomplete beneficiary data (ID, SIM cards, financial accounts) caused multiple validation cycles and delays; reliable data collection is crucial, especially for women who face lower civil registration and financial inclusion rates.
• Communication: Effective two-way communication with beneficiaries is vital; poor last-mile outreach and limited awareness of grievance mechanisms (e.g., call center) hindered transparency and trust.

Outcomes and Recommendations: Despite challenges, the program increased mobile money usage and bank account openings (e.g., 25% of beneficiaries opened new accounts), indicating high demand for digital safety nets. The 2022 decree allowing digital G2P and P2G payments marks a turning point, facilitating scaling up. The experience underscores the need for regulatory changes, robust data systems, and better communication for successful digital social protection programs.